The government has moved to shake up Kenya’s coffee sector by proposing to issue exclusive export, roasting, and packaging licences to 10 companies.
In a gazette notice dated August 22, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said the move is anchored on the Crops Act 2023 and is aimed at boosting transparency in the industry while helping smallholder farmers earn more from their crop.
The plan would allow the selected firms to cut out middlemen and trade directly with international buyers. Seven of the firms will be licensed to import, roast, and package coffee for export, while the other three will focus only on selling green coffee directly to overseas markets.
AFA says this split will encourage specialisation and streamline the export chain.
Members of the public have been given 14 days to submit feedback or raise objections before the final decision is made on August 30.
The reforms come at a time when Kenya’s coffee exports are on the rise. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, volumes in 2024 grew by 12 per cent to 53,519 tonnes, up from 47,861 tonnes the year before.
Earnings also hiked to Ksh38.4 billion compared to Ksh32.4 billion in 2023, with most of the sales taking place in the second and third quarters.
If approved, the new licensing regime could mark a turning point for one of Kenya’s most prized cash crops and potentially for the farmers who grow it.
